On December 18, 2025, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office was on Kimberly Lane, Trinity, investigating an incident reported earlier, when they observed a truck parked in the middle of an empty field. While there, a call came into Communications from the driver of that vehicle, Frank Vincent Patinella, who identified himself as a law enforcement officer. Deputies approached the vehicle to investigate further.
Patinella was then arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer. During the investigation, Patinella was identified as the defendant of an active Domestic Violence Protective Order out of Suffolk County, New York, served on November 12, 2025, and it explicitly stated that he was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
During the investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted and illegal substances, US Currency, and paraphernalia were located. The Vice Narcotics Unit responded to assist and executed a search warrant on a residence located on Osborn St., Trinity. A firearm and US Currency were located.
Patinella was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where the magistrate found probable cause for two counts of felony trafficking opium or heroin, two counts of felony trafficking cocaine, felony possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, felony possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver schedule II controlled substance, felony violation domestic violence protection order violation – possession of a firearm, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor impersonating a law enforcement officer. The magistrate issued no bond due to Patinella being out on pre-trail release. A first appearance was set for December 19, 2025, in Randolph County District Court.
Name of Defendant:
Frank Vincent Patinella
Age: 59
